The ultimate safari - pictures
Apr 28th, 2006, 10:43 AM
#23
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Lifelist,
I am glad you liked my pics.
I didn't correct them all and some of them like the one with the ellies I was just experimenting. But I know I can still improve my photography and that's the nice thing about it. I didn't take any lesson - the only thing I did was looking a lot at widlife coffeetable books.
Greetings,
Johan
I am glad you liked my pics.
I didn't correct them all and some of them like the one with the ellies I was just experimenting. But I know I can still improve my photography and that's the nice thing about it. I didn't take any lesson - the only thing I did was looking a lot at widlife coffeetable books.
Greetings,
Johan
Apr 28th, 2006, 11:11 AM
#24
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Johan......
These photos...are near perfection.
I wonder if this is the same Leopard that we observed as we were leaving Baines on our way to Stanleys. We tracked that leopard for over an hour He was very photogenic. He was hunting for impala, but he was unlucky. That bed outside looks familiar. Is that Baines? Did you see the Mombo boys at Chiefs......... One of the brothers lost his eye in a serious fight.They have 2 new cubs about 2 months old. I have some photos with my Sony 12x dig.camera......I am soory I didn't invest in better camera....Thanks again much appreciated for the beautiful shots............Daddog
These photos...are near perfection.
I wonder if this is the same Leopard that we observed as we were leaving Baines on our way to Stanleys. We tracked that leopard for over an hour He was very photogenic. He was hunting for impala, but he was unlucky. That bed outside looks familiar. Is that Baines? Did you see the Mombo boys at Chiefs......... One of the brothers lost his eye in a serious fight.They have 2 new cubs about 2 months old. I have some photos with my Sony 12x dig.camera......I am soory I didn't invest in better camera....Thanks again much appreciated for the beautiful shots............Daddog
Apr 28th, 2006, 11:34 AM
#26
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Daddog,
The bed was indeed at Baines. We had the time of our life when we were there. I slept outside all the time and the managers, Craig and Sharlene were just great. I still remember the numerous talks and drinks we had around the fire. I got to know them when they were managing Chief's camp.
Craig and Sharlene used to do walking safaris at Selinda in the past. But they ended their term in December 2005 and I think they are not in the safari industry in Botswana anymore.
The leopards we saw at Baines were females. One of them was so relaxed and gave us excellent opportunities to capture her beauty. I don't know why but I haven't been lucky with male leopards in Botswana. They are most of the times quite skittish.
I have seen the Mombo boys on different occasions in the past. Didn't you see my photo book at Chief's. There is a picture in it with the three Mombo boys walking next each other.
Greetings,
Johan
The bed was indeed at Baines. We had the time of our life when we were there. I slept outside all the time and the managers, Craig and Sharlene were just great. I still remember the numerous talks and drinks we had around the fire. I got to know them when they were managing Chief's camp.
Craig and Sharlene used to do walking safaris at Selinda in the past. But they ended their term in December 2005 and I think they are not in the safari industry in Botswana anymore.
The leopards we saw at Baines were females. One of them was so relaxed and gave us excellent opportunities to capture her beauty. I don't know why but I haven't been lucky with male leopards in Botswana. They are most of the times quite skittish.
I have seen the Mombo boys on different occasions in the past. Didn't you see my photo book at Chief's. There is a picture in it with the three Mombo boys walking next each other.
Greetings,
Johan
Apr 28th, 2006, 11:54 AM
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Continued.......and did see the big 3. I agree with you about Baines.... They give you great care. Its neat . We had the hippos come out of the water and blasted us with dung on our pilings of our verandah...Wow.. .What a stink.
Apr 28th, 2006, 07:55 PM
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Johan,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photographs. I especially enjoyed the wild dogs and lions.
I believe I have spent a few nights with Craig & Sharlene. Was Craig a South African guy and Sharlene an Australian or New Zealander (Maori descent?). If so, they were the managers at Kafunta Island Bush Camp during my stay. Craig is an intense guy and I enjoyed the campfire stories immensely. They ranged from everything from his days in the South African military in the closing days of apartheid to the paranormal.
Would you mind critiquing an itinerary I am considering for late November - mid December? Here it goes:
Chobe Chilwero (2)
Lebala (2)
Lagoon (2)
Kwara (3)
Chiefs Camp (2)
Baines Camp (2)
(I would have one or two pre-Botswana night in Joburg at a 5* hotel, followed by a night or two post-Botswana nights in Joburg at a 5* hotel and finish it up with four nights split between Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and either Leadwood (CCA) or another luxury lodge).
While it would be nice to stay longer at some of the Botswana destinations, it is part business and part leisure. I do think I will go with a private vehicle to maximize my photography opportunities.
Thanks for any feedback.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photographs. I especially enjoyed the wild dogs and lions.
I believe I have spent a few nights with Craig & Sharlene. Was Craig a South African guy and Sharlene an Australian or New Zealander (Maori descent?). If so, they were the managers at Kafunta Island Bush Camp during my stay. Craig is an intense guy and I enjoyed the campfire stories immensely. They ranged from everything from his days in the South African military in the closing days of apartheid to the paranormal.
Would you mind critiquing an itinerary I am considering for late November - mid December? Here it goes:
Chobe Chilwero (2)
Lebala (2)
Lagoon (2)
Kwara (3)
Chiefs Camp (2)
Baines Camp (2)
(I would have one or two pre-Botswana night in Joburg at a 5* hotel, followed by a night or two post-Botswana nights in Joburg at a 5* hotel and finish it up with four nights split between Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and either Leadwood (CCA) or another luxury lodge).
While it would be nice to stay longer at some of the Botswana destinations, it is part business and part leisure. I do think I will go with a private vehicle to maximize my photography opportunities.
Thanks for any feedback.
Apr 28th, 2006, 10:06 PM
#31
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Rocco,
I am glad you liked my pictures.
You are right about Sharlene and Craig and Sharlene is a real kiwi like she called herself. When was this when you meet them (must be prior to 2004 I think). At the moment, I don't have a clue what they are doing but they got their first baby in 2005 and because of that they had to move from Chief's camp to Baines. In a national park it's forbidden to have small children with you. His family is living in Claremont (fifteen minutes drive to the city centre of Capetown). And like you said he was a great storyteller around the campfire.
Concerning your plans to go to Botswana at the end of November till mid December there are some things to take into consideration. If it hasn't rained yet, gameviewing will be spectacular especially at the Chobe river front and at Lagoon/Lebala. A downside is that everything is yellow/brownish and it will be very dusty. But elephant sightings would be the best you can experience in any place on the planet.
But how much it will be raining and when it will start is a thing that's unpredictable right now. When I was there in December 2005 it had rained a lot prior to my arrival and during my 12 day stay, we only had one serious thunderstorm and on the moment I left, we had to sit in the Caravan for more than a hour before we could take off. And after my stay, it rained again cats and dogs. In November 2003, I didn't experience any rain so gameviewing was outstanding at Chobe.
Because in December it had rained prior to my arrival the game was dispersed and at Lebala I didn't see that many cats (5 different cheetah - 4 male lions and 2 different leopards a male and a female). The only thing was that everything was lush and green which is always nice when taking pictures and the grass was of course still short.
At Kwara, we saw 3 wild dogs, a pride of +/- 10 lions and a female leopard.
Raptor sightings were of a very good quality at both camps - with a lot of summer migrants. If it hasn't rained yet, you have a good chance to see roan and sable antelope at Lebala/Lagoon.
A must to do when you are at Kwara is a boat trip to the heronries at Godikwe.
Concerning which camps to stay longer in, I would only consider to stay longer at Chief's camp (4-5 nights would be nice). It's one of my favorite places because of the great gameviewing that I have experienced there.
Actually, Chief's camp is best visited in the so-called off-peak season because you have far more access to all the different places.
When there, ask to drive to Boro West, there is always something going on there. And you can have a look at the book about Mombo there (I haven't seen it for sale in normal shops - not even at the airport in Joburg). I bought it directly from Wilderness safaris and it was shipped to Belgium.
Concerning your plans to book a private vehicle it would be quite expensive to do so at Sanctuary lodges because they have that stupid thing that you have to book three rooms for it. I have never done that but was lucky that I had a vehicle for my own on many days during my stays.
At the Kwando camps, it's a thing to consider but because the time of year you have the chance to have a vehicle on your own without to pay for it. But if you want to be 100% sure, I would say book one because it makes a real difference (only your intrests - less people in the car less chances the birds will fly away).
I have a question for you, is there any reason why you are not visiting some Wilderness camps.
Although I think when visiting those camps, you have a pretty good idea what's going on in Northern Botswana.
Have a nice weekend,
Johan
I am glad you liked my pictures.
You are right about Sharlene and Craig and Sharlene is a real kiwi like she called herself. When was this when you meet them (must be prior to 2004 I think). At the moment, I don't have a clue what they are doing but they got their first baby in 2005 and because of that they had to move from Chief's camp to Baines. In a national park it's forbidden to have small children with you. His family is living in Claremont (fifteen minutes drive to the city centre of Capetown). And like you said he was a great storyteller around the campfire.
Concerning your plans to go to Botswana at the end of November till mid December there are some things to take into consideration. If it hasn't rained yet, gameviewing will be spectacular especially at the Chobe river front and at Lagoon/Lebala. A downside is that everything is yellow/brownish and it will be very dusty. But elephant sightings would be the best you can experience in any place on the planet.
But how much it will be raining and when it will start is a thing that's unpredictable right now. When I was there in December 2005 it had rained a lot prior to my arrival and during my 12 day stay, we only had one serious thunderstorm and on the moment I left, we had to sit in the Caravan for more than a hour before we could take off. And after my stay, it rained again cats and dogs. In November 2003, I didn't experience any rain so gameviewing was outstanding at Chobe.
Because in December it had rained prior to my arrival the game was dispersed and at Lebala I didn't see that many cats (5 different cheetah - 4 male lions and 2 different leopards a male and a female). The only thing was that everything was lush and green which is always nice when taking pictures and the grass was of course still short.
At Kwara, we saw 3 wild dogs, a pride of +/- 10 lions and a female leopard.
Raptor sightings were of a very good quality at both camps - with a lot of summer migrants. If it hasn't rained yet, you have a good chance to see roan and sable antelope at Lebala/Lagoon.
A must to do when you are at Kwara is a boat trip to the heronries at Godikwe.
Concerning which camps to stay longer in, I would only consider to stay longer at Chief's camp (4-5 nights would be nice). It's one of my favorite places because of the great gameviewing that I have experienced there.
Actually, Chief's camp is best visited in the so-called off-peak season because you have far more access to all the different places.
When there, ask to drive to Boro West, there is always something going on there. And you can have a look at the book about Mombo there (I haven't seen it for sale in normal shops - not even at the airport in Joburg). I bought it directly from Wilderness safaris and it was shipped to Belgium.
Concerning your plans to book a private vehicle it would be quite expensive to do so at Sanctuary lodges because they have that stupid thing that you have to book three rooms for it. I have never done that but was lucky that I had a vehicle for my own on many days during my stays.
At the Kwando camps, it's a thing to consider but because the time of year you have the chance to have a vehicle on your own without to pay for it. But if you want to be 100% sure, I would say book one because it makes a real difference (only your intrests - less people in the car less chances the birds will fly away).
I have a question for you, is there any reason why you are not visiting some Wilderness camps.
Although I think when visiting those camps, you have a pretty good idea what's going on in Northern Botswana.
Have a nice weekend,
Johan
Apr 28th, 2006, 10:10 PM
#32
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Hi Johan-
Just had to say, once again INCREDIBLE! Wow, I surfaced from under a pile of tax forms tonight and saw this post - and couldn't pull myself away from your pictures (poor guys taxes can wait until tomorrow, right?)
I await with baited breath to buy your 'wildlife photo' book when you do publish it - you really are the best that I have ever seen!
And after I buy your book, and study up on how to take picures like that, can Jim and I come on a safari with you and see first hand how you do it ?
We even have the same equipment!
Just had to say, once again INCREDIBLE! Wow, I surfaced from under a pile of tax forms tonight and saw this post - and couldn't pull myself away from your pictures (poor guys taxes can wait until tomorrow, right?)
I await with baited breath to buy your 'wildlife photo' book when you do publish it - you really are the best that I have ever seen!
And after I buy your book, and study up on how to take picures like that, can Jim and I come on a safari with you and see first hand how you do it ?
We even have the same equipment!
Apr 28th, 2006, 10:42 PM
#34
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Hi Johan, thank you very much for the reply,
Three pieces of hand luggage is sometimes frowned upon
but you are right it just depends upon how the mood of the cabin crew and the luck of the draw.
I am also using similar equipment; however do not have any of the fast Nikon lenses (yet). I find the Sigma 50-500mm lens to be the only thing I use for shooting wildlife. I also have the D70 and the D200, and find that it is easier to get keepers with D70, however this is hopefully a case of tightening up on my technique. The 5 fps on the D200 is magnificent for catching those “yawning” moments, and if the lighting is just right you can zoom up the tongue of a lion and see every single little “tongue hair” this is definately not possible with the D70. The other D200 “problem” now is that I need so many memory cards as they tend to fill up very quickly. If you do shoot RAW, then you virtually need a laptop in the Jeep to download the pictures from the D200.
I am pretty fortunate as I am currently living in Johannesburg, so outings for me do not incur the airfare portion from Europe and beyond; nevertheless as you know once you are hooked wildlife photography gets very expensive, as you just want more equipment and even more opportunities to use it to improve your skills.
Anyway it looks like you are going to have another fabulous trip, and I am sure you will have some nice pictures to add to your collection when you get back.
Maurice
Three pieces of hand luggage is sometimes frowned upon
but you are right it just depends upon how the mood of the cabin crew and the luck of the draw.I am also using similar equipment; however do not have any of the fast Nikon lenses (yet). I find the Sigma 50-500mm lens to be the only thing I use for shooting wildlife. I also have the D70 and the D200, and find that it is easier to get keepers with D70, however this is hopefully a case of tightening up on my technique. The 5 fps on the D200 is magnificent for catching those “yawning” moments, and if the lighting is just right you can zoom up the tongue of a lion and see every single little “tongue hair” this is definately not possible with the D70. The other D200 “problem” now is that I need so many memory cards as they tend to fill up very quickly. If you do shoot RAW, then you virtually need a laptop in the Jeep to download the pictures from the D200.
I am pretty fortunate as I am currently living in Johannesburg, so outings for me do not incur the airfare portion from Europe and beyond; nevertheless as you know once you are hooked wildlife photography gets very expensive, as you just want more equipment and even more opportunities to use it to improve your skills.
Anyway it looks like you are going to have another fabulous trip, and I am sure you will have some nice pictures to add to your collection when you get back.
Maurice
Apr 29th, 2006, 05:00 AM
#35
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Lynda:
Thank you that you admire my work. And indeed tax forms can wait, don't you think.
I booked 5 safaris (last one in June 2007) so by then I normally should have the photos I need for the book.
So publishing should be in 2008. I haven't made plans for the future yet but if you like to go on safari with me, we can always make arrangements about camps and places you would like to visit.
Hari: I visited the heronries by speed boat in Augustus 2001, it was nice but not as impressive like in December 2005. But boating is always nice when you are interested in taking pictures of birds (actually would recommend to go on a sunset cruise). By mokoro it's not possible to go there, wouldn't be safe because of the deep water.
Maurice,
I have always devices with me to store my images but I am not always shooting in RAW (like professionals do - sometimes I just shoot JPEG fine). I'll be in Johannesburg at the Grace Rosebank on Saturday the 13th and the 26th of May. I don't know where you are living in Johannesburg.
You are very right about how expensive wildlife photography can become. But it's my passion for which I am prepared to sacrifice a lot (girlfriends are not always pleased with that).
Greetings,
Johan
Thank you that you admire my work. And indeed tax forms can wait, don't you think.
I booked 5 safaris (last one in June 2007) so by then I normally should have the photos I need for the book.
So publishing should be in 2008. I haven't made plans for the future yet but if you like to go on safari with me, we can always make arrangements about camps and places you would like to visit.
Hari: I visited the heronries by speed boat in Augustus 2001, it was nice but not as impressive like in December 2005. But boating is always nice when you are interested in taking pictures of birds (actually would recommend to go on a sunset cruise). By mokoro it's not possible to go there, wouldn't be safe because of the deep water.
Maurice,
I have always devices with me to store my images but I am not always shooting in RAW (like professionals do - sometimes I just shoot JPEG fine). I'll be in Johannesburg at the Grace Rosebank on Saturday the 13th and the 26th of May. I don't know where you are living in Johannesburg.
You are very right about how expensive wildlife photography can become. But it's my passion for which I am prepared to sacrifice a lot (girlfriends are not always pleased with that).
Greetings,
Johan
Apr 29th, 2006, 05:15 AM
#36
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Once again, stunning photos! I am glad to hear you don't always shoot in raw format. I am struggling to decide if I want to shoot raw in Africa next month - my photoshop skills are rudimentary at this point. Thanks again Johan!
Sharon
(Hoping to remember my original cooncat password soon!)
Sharon
(Hoping to remember my original cooncat password soon!)
Apr 29th, 2006, 05:49 AM
#37
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Johan-
Looks like you had quite the successful safari. You visited some of the best areas southern Africa has to offer. I took a look at your photographs, and I see some wonderful photographs in your trip portfolio. Well done! I just returned from Namibia, and my itinerary also included Serra Cafema, which is one of the most unique locations in all of Africa.
Thanks for sharing.
Andy
Looks like you had quite the successful safari. You visited some of the best areas southern Africa has to offer. I took a look at your photographs, and I see some wonderful photographs in your trip portfolio. Well done! I just returned from Namibia, and my itinerary also included Serra Cafema, which is one of the most unique locations in all of Africa.
Thanks for sharing.
Andy
Apr 29th, 2006, 06:14 AM
#38
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Johan,
Thanks for all the feedback. Hmmm...so I may be better off going in early November BEFORE the rains for the best gameviewing. I am trying to be home for Thanksgiving (November 23rd), which would mean I would need to start my trip at the end of October or start on November 25th.
There are just so many camps to see that I couldn't fit all of them in this time. For this trip I would like to concentrate on Kwando and Sanctuary. I have had luck in the past adding leisurely (and luxurious) Sabi Sand short visits at the end of my safari and I want to stick to this formula.
Will you please remind me what body and lens you are using for your photos, and what software you use to edit your photos afterward.
Thanks.
Thanks for all the feedback. Hmmm...so I may be better off going in early November BEFORE the rains for the best gameviewing. I am trying to be home for Thanksgiving (November 23rd), which would mean I would need to start my trip at the end of October or start on November 25th.
There are just so many camps to see that I couldn't fit all of them in this time. For this trip I would like to concentrate on Kwando and Sanctuary. I have had luck in the past adding leisurely (and luxurious) Sabi Sand short visits at the end of my safari and I want to stick to this formula.
Will you please remind me what body and lens you are using for your photos, and what software you use to edit your photos afterward.
Thanks.
Apr 29th, 2006, 06:21 AM
#39
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Andy,
It's an honor that you like some of my pictures. I still got a lot to learn but I will.
I had a look at your work and I can only dream about such a quality.
I saw you photographed the same Himba people I did at Serra Cafema.
When there, I drove into a ravine with a quad and was luckily to escape with only a few bruises and some stiffness.
Most of my safaris are taken place in Namibia/Botswana. Everyone has his favorites and those are mine. It was love at first sight.
I know in terms of safari East Africa has a lot to offer and I've only been once in Northern Tanzania and Kenya in 2000. I should return at once, will probably be in 2008 or 2009.
Greetings,
Johan
It's an honor that you like some of my pictures. I still got a lot to learn but I will.
I had a look at your work and I can only dream about such a quality.
I saw you photographed the same Himba people I did at Serra Cafema.
When there, I drove into a ravine with a quad and was luckily to escape with only a few bruises and some stiffness.
Most of my safaris are taken place in Namibia/Botswana. Everyone has his favorites and those are mine. It was love at first sight.
I know in terms of safari East Africa has a lot to offer and I've only been once in Northern Tanzania and Kenya in 2000. I should return at once, will probably be in 2008 or 2009.
Greetings,
Johan
Apr 29th, 2006, 06:30 AM
#40
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Rocco,
I am using the following equipment on my next trips:
Nikon D70 + 18-70mm f3,5-4,5 + 10,5mm f2,8;
Nikon D200 + 200-400mm f4 VR;
Nikon D2X + 80-200mm f2,8.
Afterwards I use the following software: Adobe Photoshop + Photocleaner (to resize the pictures for the Kodak gallery).
Greetings,
Johan
I am using the following equipment on my next trips:
Nikon D70 + 18-70mm f3,5-4,5 + 10,5mm f2,8;
Nikon D200 + 200-400mm f4 VR;
Nikon D2X + 80-200mm f2,8.
Afterwards I use the following software: Adobe Photoshop + Photocleaner (to resize the pictures for the Kodak gallery).
Greetings,
Johan
